Explore an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum—all under one living roof.

Earthquake: Life on a Dynamic Planet

Prepare to be moved! Take a kinetic journey through seismic phenomena and explore how they fit into Earth's geologic history. Walk through the center of our planet, brave the infamous Shake House, and more!

Don’t miss Earthquake, a major exhibit exploring the seismic science of Earth’s fascinating geologic transformations—and forces that continue to impact our lives today. Occupying the entire west wing of the Academy, Earthquake goes big: Among its large-scale installations are a walk-through model of planet Earth, an earthquake simulator resembling an old Victorian home, and an interactive space that teaches earthquake preparedness.

The Shake House

Experience the sustained tremors of San Francisco's two biggest quakes—the 6.9-magnitude Loma Prieta earthquake and the 7.9-magnitude Great San Francisco quake of 1906—from inside the dining room of a Victorian-era "Painted Lady" house. (Ages 4 and up)

Head for the Core

Step into Earth's interior to see the forces and phenomena that drive the movement of tectonic plates. Examine geologic specimens from Earth's core, mantle, and crust, and explore what earthquake wave patterns tell us about the inner workings of our planet.

Professor Bruce Bolt pioneered the field of seismic engineering, helping to strengthen California safety codes for private and public buildings. A former president of the Academy's Board of Trustees, Bolt is remembered for his passionate advocacy of earthquake awareness.

The California Academy of Sciences is a renowned scientific and educational institution dedicated to exploring, explaining, and sustaining life on Earth. Based in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, it is home to a world-class aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum—all under one living roof.